I just realized you are from Washington. About two weeks ago there was an older gray haired man skating at our rink that I had never seen before. He had light-up wheels. As is my nature, I had to go up and start a conversation, so I commented that his wheels looked like fireflies. He said, "I don't know what those are...we don't have those where I come from."

Long story short, the black corvette in the parking lot was his and he was from Washington and doing a skating rink tour! I've heard of some of the skaters on here doing that, but never met anyone that was.

So, Glenn, if you were at Roller Garden in Minnesota a few weeks ago, you did meet me and see me skating in the middle of the rink! (I know it most likely was not you...but I had to mention it...maybe you know the guy if he is from your rink!!)

I just realized you are from Washington. About two weeks ago there was an older gray haired man skating at our rink that I had never seen before. He had light-up wheels. As is my nature, I had to go up and start a conversation, so I commented that his wheels looked like fireflies. He said, "I don't know what those are...we don't have those where I come from."

Long story short, the black corvette in the parking lot was his and he was from Washington and doing a skating rink tour! I've heard of some of the skaters on here doing that, but never met anyone that was.

So, Glenn, if you were at Roller Garden in Minnesota a few weeks ago, you did meet me and see me skating in the middle of the rink! (I know it most likely was not you...but I had to mention it...maybe you know the guy if he is from your rink!!)

Older: yep, gray haired: somewhat, light-up wheels: nope.
Know about fireflies: yes, though when I was catching them in NE Ohio (a million years ago) they were called lightning bugs.

Black 'vette, time and cash to wander the country checking out rinks: only in my dreams!

No one at my rink like that either, maybe from the Seattle side of Puget Sound... a lot more money over there. Think "MicroSoft"

I doubt that I'll ever get to Minnesota now. Previously I thought I might make the North Shore Marathon one year but shifting to figures this year has changed my focus also.

Plywood is ok, but after trials and tribulations I found that Masonite is the smoothest surface to practice on. Just make sure its solid underneath. During my classes I switched and used either side. Plus it's easier to move when needed. Give it a try. Most hardwood stores carry it.

I am waiting for my brother or husband to bring me home a piece of masonite leftover from a job they did (there are 48 pieces just sitting in the shop and I couldn't fit one in my little car!!). I know the plywood isn't the best but it's what I had lying around the house. I stir up sawdust and also sometimes I get caught in the knot holes!! I will see if I need to buy something thicker to laminate it to. Can't wait.

Ha, plywood comes in many forms, Luan was mentioned, it has a rough side and a finished side, and it's very thin, CDX plywood is probably what the op had, it's rough on both sides, but...applying plexiglass to the rough plywood would be good, assuming the plywood is 3/4" thick, any thinner and to much movement, combining 4-8 sheets of plywood would make a good sized practice area (8 sheets would be a 16' x 16' area), if it was plywood with one side finished, perfect. Painting it, na, fumes, it would require future coats, more fumes.

Wow! Ten years old! I did end up putting a masonite board in my basement and that was pretty smooth. Not too thick and easy to move around. I am still skating weekly at the rink and jam skating in the middle is still part of my night. Nearly 3 years ago we had to move in with my aging parents to care for them. I did not need to bring my board as we have a large condo with all wood floors. Once in awhile I get out my skates and skate in the home! Haha.

This excites me, I'm moving soon and we have a double garage and I'll be using that to practise on the concrete, I'm already thinking of ways to fill in the cracks so there's no clunking in my wheels can't wait!